Aster, New England - Symphyotrichum novae-angliae

Symphyotrichum novae-angliae, also known as New England aster, is a perennial wildflower native to Michigan and the Upper Peninsula.  Asters are a keystone pollinator species supplying late season resources which support young queen bees preparing to overwinter, male bees seeking mates before frost, migrating butterflies, and butterflies that overwinter right here.  Birds dine from the caterpillar buffet on these key host plants all summer, then eat the seeds in winter.

New England Aster is the showiest aster we have and reaches 2 to 4 feet tall, shorter in dry and taller in moist conditions. It prefers loam with decent fertility and some moisture, but handles medium-dry sandy loams, clay, or muck just fine. Full sun is the preference, but partial sun is acceptable. Good for flower beds, butterfly gardens, rain gardens, and bird plantings. For a mass of late-summer color, plant a plug flat in a close grouping on 8" centers. This showy native plant flowers from late summer to frost with large clusters of purple, sometimes pink, blooms with centers that range from purple to vibrant yellow.  This one is a must-have: an essential host plant with a rich, eye-catching display and rich color that peaks well after most other natives have faded.